Fine Arts Competitions

Agora Gallery is dedicated to discovering and exposing new talent

Art competitions have brought value and new opportunities to artists since the first one in recorded history, which took place in Ancient Greece some 2,500 years ago. To bring opportunities to today’s artists, Agora Gallery hosts three annual juried art competitions. Artists can enter more than one competition.

'My experience at the Agora Gallery is by far the most satisfying of the many galleries I’ve appeared in... Within 2 days of the opening they have sold 4 out my 5 offerings, and the 5th remaining one is getting a great response. I feel honored to be included in this exhibition of truly superb work. Thank you for having me!'

Entering Agora Gallery Art Competitions

Whether you’ve been an artist for 2 years or 20, preparing an entry is an opportunity to take a step back and look at your body of work and ask yourself the question - What pieces will make the best presentation?

You’ll receive exposure to a sophisticated, appreciative New York audience, and to an ever larger global audience through print and online media. If you are selected, you will recoup the entry fee, along your shipping costs many times over through the public relations you will receive.

Being exhibited alongside other talented artists is an honor and provides inspiration.

Showing your art to gallerists, curators, and editors can be the start of something big. Russell Mehlman earned a Certificate of Excellence in the 2013 Chelsea International Fine Art Competition; he won Best in Show Gold at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition in 2015 and 2016. Evelyn Wang was in the 2009 exhibit; she’s recently held solo exhibitions in London, Los Angeles, New York, Rotterdam, and Shanghai.

Photographers, you could exhibit in a New York gallery and be part of an art fair with international artists! With a highly professional and experienced gallery staff, a distinguished panel of jurors and prizes valued at more than $55,000, the Chelsea International Photography Competition is an excellent opportunity for potential national and international acclaim.

The Indian Contemporary Art Competition offers Indian and Indian Diaspora artists, at any stage of their careers, are invited to submit in any of the following mediums: painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, mixed media and print. Art submitted to the competition will be reviewed by a rotating panel of distinguished, expert jurors, each representing a different field in the art world, ensuring a fair and balanced selection process.

The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition offers selected artists an opening reception with the New York art community, a jury of internationally influential voices, prize levels that include cash awards totaling $70,000, and international exposure comprising ARTisSpectrum Magazine, ARTmine.com and a color exhibit catalog. The competition gives you the chance to connect with art lovers and buyers from around the globe.

Artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latin American diaspora at any stage of their careers are invited to submit work in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, mixed media, and print to the Latin American Contemporary Fine Art Competition. A juried panel of international experts, each representing a specific field in the art world and well-versed in Latin American art, will judge the work. Prizes include cash awards, participation in an art fair sponsored by FAI- Fine Art Initiatives, exposure on ARTmine.com and a digital display of work in the gallery and on our website.

Competitions Testimonials

'Participating in the Chelsea International Photography Competition, in partnership with Agora Gallery has been a game changer to me... being an artist among such talented global peers is not an easy task, and I would love to join forces with the Chelsea community encouraging other artists to dare to engage in future exhibitions and share their talents.'

'Mies van der Rohe said “God is in the details” and Agora took note. Everything - from communication with the staff to the exhibition setup was impeccable. The people at Agora Gallery are friendly, professional and competent. Your work will be in the best hands.

My artwork was exhibited in Agora as part of the 2018 Latin American Contemporary Fine Art Competition. They go the extra mile in helping you prepare for the exhibition with detailed tips. It was a wonderful experience to work with them. I highly recommend artists to participate in Agora's competitions.

I am grateful for the opportunity of presenting my work in their beautiful gallery. Thank you Agora Gallery!'

'My experience with Agora has been almost a dream come true. I never imagined ever exhibiting in a New York City Chelsea Art Gallery. I thought that would have been the extent of my reward for being selected but I was amazed at how much Agora was committed to the success of the artist… This was absolutely a dream come true. I highly recommend Agora to all artists, especially new and up-and-coming artists. I also reached out to my brother who is a painter and an old high school friend, a photographer. The best thing about Agora was that it reignited the fire in me to continue painting. Thank you.'

'Agora Gallery gave me the chance, through the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, to exhibit my artwork in New York from a new perspective. The experience enriches me personally and my artistic career. I think it is important to point out the diversity of images and artists that I was able to meet during the exhibition. I'm very grateful for the professionalism of the staff, especially in handling the sales process. And I would recommend to participate in the competitions offered by Agora Gallery.'